Twitter #LeadWithGiants Tweet Chat: Leading Difficult People (Monday, August 17, 2015)

At 7PM Eastern every Monday evening the #LeadWithGiants tweetchat occurs on Twitter.

Every week a different topic. On the evening of August 17, 2015, the topic was Leading Difficult People.

I present the questions and  my answers and a little bit more. Please enjoy.
If you can, please joins us next week. Look for the #LeadWithGiants hashtag every Monday evening (and throughout the week) or follow @LeadWithGiants on twitter to get the questions..

Leading Difficult People


Q1. How would you describe a difficult person? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: I would describe a difficult person as someone that is not 100% aligned with what is going on in the organization or personal life.
To be a bit clearer, a difficult person is someone that either does not want to be a positive participant in what the group, section, team, department or organization is doing as part of doing business.

Q2 What is your greatest challenge in leading difficult people? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: Greatest challenge is maintaining dialogue while avoid the trap that is their monologue.
When it comes to leading difficult people the trick is to keep them and everyone else on the team focused. Keeping everyone focused is made even more difficult when difficult individuals want their story to be the only story to be told. A leader’s work is hard enough without having to deal with the negativity. However, a great leader will work through the problems and do everything she can do to keep everyone focused.

Q3. Describe a time where you successfully/unsuccessfully dealt with a difficult person. #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: First time leading soldiers in the Army. It is like a rite of passage for them to be difficult.
Yes, all first time leaders will be tested. They must be tested all the time. Testing is how leaders become good and how good leaders become great! The sooner a leader deals with a difficult person (or people) the sooner he can begin down the path to leadership greatness.

Q4 How have you seen a difficult person disrupt a team or group? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: When the elements are not cooperating, the situation is SNAFU, one bad apple can morale hit rock bottom very fast.
When the situation is less than favorable and the team is already, teetering on the brink of complete shut down all it takes is one negative comment from the most difficult/negative person on the team to bring morale down. That’s why as a leader it behooves you to constantly maintain a level of professionalism and consistently apply morale boosting techniques to avoid any undermining by those difficult individuals.

Q5. How do you get a difficult person to change? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: Training to fill in knowledge gaps, Make individual responsible for part of the results, work with them or cut them loose.
As a leader there is only so much you can do to motivate anyone. Difficult people typically feel underappreciated and may just need a little boost or opportunity to have them show their stuff. However, when they don’t have what it takes or flat out refuse to become active, positive members of the group well of course it may be time to cut the line and set them adrift (hopefully, into the sea of their own misery).

Q6. Can a difficult person actually be good for the team? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: Yes, they can motivate in reverse. Do good just to put the difficult person in his place.
By having the team work together and complete the assigned task the difficult person gets what he or she was NOT expecting. The team used the negativity against that individual to not only motivate themselves but to drive the difficult person back to his/her dark place (until the next project comes along).

Q7. Why are some people difficult to work with? Where does it originate? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: Some feel that based on tenure, education, or their own ego that they can do better than who is actually in charge and resentment begins.
Many individuals believe because they have the education they deserve to be leaders. When they do not get their way they start to resent the leaders that are deserving of the title of leader. See, going to school or staying with an organization for a long time does NOT automatically make anyone a leader. It is what those individuals do with their education or tenure that makes them the real leaders. There is NOTHING automatically given for getting a Bachelor’s Degree or outlasting your co-workers, it has to be earned, especially the title of Leader.

Q8 Why is “avoidance” a poor choice in dealing with a difficult person? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: The problem person will only be encouraged because others will avoid the problem. Nip it in the bud! Nip it!
When problems are set aside or ignored, outright that is when the real trouble begins. Therefore, the sooner a problem is addressed, the sooner it can go away and never be dealt with again. It is better for the future of the leader, the difficult person, and the team when problems are handled effectively and expediently.

Q9 When the Leader is the difficult person, what then? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: That is when other leaders MUST step in and handle the situation or risk complete leadership failure.
All the leaders in the organization are there for each other. That’s what being a leader is all about; to make things better for everyone. When one has a problem, it is the duty of all the other leaders to step in and help correct the situation. When they don’t step up and step in is when bigger problems occur and that is not a good thing for anyone.

Q10. If the entire team is difficult to work with, what might be the problem? #LeadWithGiants
My Answer: Lack of top-down communication, which did not create a buy-in by the stakeholders. Communication is king! 
The leader must ensure that communication is flowing in both directions to ensure that everyone understands what the situation is, what it isn’t, what must happen, and most importantly, who is going to do what. I understand it sounds that simple but it is harder than it looks. However, that should not discourage anyone from trying especially any leader worth his weight in salt.


Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Tags: Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow • ###### • ##### • ##### • ##### • Leadership • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

The Leadership Minute #15 Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement

The premise behind this leadership principle is look deep inside yourself. Look for what you are and what you are not. Also look for what you know and don’t know. The trick behind knowing yourself and seeking self-improvement is to be honest with yourself, otherwise why bother?

People will follow someone who is constantly evaluating and checking himself. Someone that is constantly seeking self improvement even if it means that in order to be improving herself she must improve the lives of others.

No matter how you look at it Know yourself, once you have identified the areas that you are lacking then work on those. But don’t just stop there. Work on everything because no matter what some people think or tell you there is always room for improvement in EVERYTHING.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Great To Follow
• Know Yourself • Self-Improvement • Personal Growth • Professional Development • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

MIDDAY NUGGET: TEACHERS, Any professional development over the summer?

Dear Teachers,

Can you believe Summer Vacation 2014 is quickly ending? Where has the time flown? It was just last week kids were flocking to South Padre Island or Daytona Beach or wherever they go for Spring Break. Now, television commercials are not so subtly reminding us of the back to school sales. Parents, are you ready?

Teachers, what about you? Are you ready?  Are you ready to start the new school year? 

Aside from taking some much-needed Rest & Recuperation what have you done to prepare for the coming school year? I am not talking about putting up a new border on the bulletin boards or buying new dry-erase markers. I am talking about what have you done to enhance your profession, your future as a teacher!

That’s right I am talking about PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT!

What did you do over your summer break to enhance your future? To enhance our children's future?

Did you sign up and attend a webinar? Attend a seminar? or participate in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course? Or did you read a book (or two or three)?

If the answer is NO, don’t fret you still have time. 

It can be anything. It can be about anything. Just do something that might just change your perspective on your life, profession, or everything.

Who knows it may be something that will teach you, yes you, the Teacher some new approach to dealing with your students or dealing with their parents?

I understand that summer is your time to decompress from the last school year. However, it is also time to prepare for the upcoming school year. Yes, it really is. Unless you consider yourself a part time teacher and a part time beach bum, you have no excuse for not getting in a little professional development before the school year begins. 

I know I can hear it now, “they don’t pay us enough to attending professional development training.” 

I call SHENANIGANS on that statement.

They pay you enough to take at least two months off every year, don’t you think you could take a couple of those precious days off and learn something.

Remember, it does not have to be anything fancy or drawn out. Just do it. 

Don't you deserve it? Don't your kids deserve it? I know my children deserve it.

Thank you for your time,
David Guerra


P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you think about this blog post.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on
Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com


To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble


To order your paperback copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change


To order your Amazon Kindle copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (25th Anniversary Edition)



Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Our Kids Are Worth It • Summer Vacation • Professional Development • Elementary Teachers • High School Teachers • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero


Here are some hashtags: #professionaldevelopment #teachers #summer2014 #students #future #leadership

CRACKING THE CODE OF COMMUNICATION / A Tuesday Night with Lolly Daskal (07/08/14)

July 8, 2014:  #LeadFromWithin Tweetchat with Lolly Daskal (@lollydaskal)
The Tweetchat topic was CRACKING THE CODE OF COMMUNICATION

Join us every Tuesday evening from 8PM EST to 9PM EST and use the hashtag #leadfromwithin to find us and interact with us.


Here are Lolly's Questions and my Answers:

Q1: Why is communication so important? #leadfromwithin
A1: If you want something done, effective communication is necessary. Without it, all is lost #Leadfromwithin

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Q2: What are core elements of communication? #leadfromwithin
A2: Clarity & Brevity are the core of any communication. Otherwise, confusion sets in #Leadfromwithin

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Q3: Why is listening so important in communication? #leadfromwithin
A3: Without effective listening the understanding of what is being declared diminishes exponentially as the conversation continues #Leadfromwithin

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Q4: What is the best way to communicate in crisis? #leadfromwithin
A4: Practice crisis situations and learn from that and share that with all members of the org. #Leadfromwithin

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Q5: How does communication go beyond words? #leadfromwithin
A5: Commo goes beyond words when the action takes place with little to no follow up or questions about the action #Leadfromwithin

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Q6: What is the best way to handle criticism? #leadfromwithin
A6: You handle it with open eyes, open ears, and closed mouth. Criticism is essential for growth and development of all concerned #Leadfromwithin

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Q7: What are strategies can we use when conveying a sensitive topic? #leadfromwithin
A7: take the lead, remain calm, be professionalism, and most of all compartmentalize to those that need to know ONLY #Leadfromwithin

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Q8: How does communication increase influence? #leadfromwithin
A8: Increasing influence can only occur through consistent communication known as dialogue NOT monologue #Leadfromwithin

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Q9: What are some communication mistakes and blunders? #leadfromwithin
A9: biggest mistake is conducting a MONOLOGUE. ALWAYS have DIALOGUE, otherwise people will feel bored and move on #Leadfromwithin

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Q10: What are some important words to use when communicating? #leadfromwithin
A10: “WHAT DO YOU THINK?” and mean it! #Leadfromwithin

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Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Communication • Dialogue • Monologue • Lolly Daskal • Code of Communication • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS / A Tuesday Night with Lolly Daskal (07/01/14)

July 1, 2014:  #LeadFromWithin Tweetchat with Lolly Daskal (@lollydaskal)
The Tweetchat topic was DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Join us every Tuesday evening from 8PM EST to 9PM EST and use the hashtag #leadfromwithin to find us and interact with us.


Here are Lolly's Questions and my Answers:

Q1: How do you define leadership? #Leadfromwithin
A1: I define Leadership as the ability to motivate others to the point that they willingly do what must be done #leadfromwithin

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Q2: What are some qualities and traits a leader requires? #Leadfromwithin
A2: Know themselves completely before attempting to lead. Know that others are depending on them for inspiration #leadfromwithin

A2: and direction and motivation and and the list goes on and on #leadfromwithin

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Q3: How can we turn our innate instincts into Leadership skills? #Leadfromwithin
A3: By knowing our limits on those instincts then we can move past the limits and teach others #leadfromwithin

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Q4: What are some privileges of leadership? #Leadfromwithin
A4: Leaders get to learn from and teach others. That is the greatest privilege. #leadfromwithin

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Q5: If leading is ‘setting an example’, what example should we set? #Leadfromwithin
A5: The only example to set is that WE WALK OUR TALK. We do as we do and do as we say. 100% of the time, it’s non-negotiable #leadfromwithin

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Q6: How does a leader strike the balance between control and freedom? #Leadfromwithin
A6: Striking balance is achieved through trial and error. You have to make your mistakes as well as achieve success for proper balance #leadfromwithin

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Q7: How do we ensure we keep growing/ learning as Leaders? #Leadfromwithin
A7: We keep growing and learning as leaders by ACKNOWLEDGING that we still have so much to learn from each other and then we can grow, together #leadfromwithin

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Q8: How do we measure our development as a Leader? #Leadfromwithin
A8: We can’t measure our own development because that’s constantly changing. We can measure the number of leaders we help create #leadfromwithin

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Q9: What steps can we take to accelerate our development? #Leadfromwithin
A9: Eyes Open, Ears Open, Mouth Closed, Then ASK QUESTIONS.  Question everything. Question Everyone.  #leadfromwithin

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Q10: How do we know we’re truly a Leader? #Leadfromwithin
A10: When we know deep down that we are not leaders but followers of those that follow us #leadfromwithin


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Leadership • Leadership Development • Leadership Skills • Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Day 5: Always Be Expecting

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE EXPECTING. A for Always, B for Be, and C for Expecting (the C is silent).

Just like demanding, expecting is something that you should be doing everyday. I am NOT talking about that you should be expecting a handout nor expecting something done for you. That is the wrong side of expecting (and demanding).

What I am talking about is for your to always expect to step up. Expect to be a leader. Expect to Take Control. By the same token, expect to be let down. Expect to struggle as a leader. Worst of all or the best of all: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED.

There is NOTHING that is expected to be given to you unless you expect to give it first. Remember, 'tis better to give than to receive? That applies right here, right now and always.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • ABCs of 2014 • Daily Motivation • Daily Success • The C is silent • Always Be Expecting • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Introducing The Walking Leader

I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to my contribution to the business leadership literary world: The Walking Leader: The 20 Rules You Can Follow Now to Guide You Down the Path of Leadership Greatness in Your Organization.

I wrote the Walking Leader for anyone that has wanted to get out from behind their desk and get to know the organization from within but didn't know how. To succeed in business (any business), any one in any position within any company, organization, agency, program, department, or section has to not only do their job better than everyone else they also have to get out and visit the front-lines. They have to be where the bullets are flying.

In a war, the front-lines is where the bullets are flying. The only way to truly know how the war is going is to be right out in front, meeting and getting to know those that are fighting out on the front lines every day! Business leaders, communicators, and instructors know and share with every that wants to succeed; the only way is to get out and be among the company staff.

However, there was a problem. The problem was there was nothing formally written to act as a guide to how to go and walk among the entire company's staff. There was nothing that even resemble a set of rules that anyone can go to when the time comes to get out there.

The Walking Leader was written to fill that void. The 20 rules are to be used as a guide to starting your own Walking Leader program. The 20 rules are to be used to become your organization's next Great Leader. As your organization's next Great Leader you will be in the position to recruit, guide, and mentor the NEXT Great Leader.


I invite you to get yourself a copy and get out there! Getting out there is the only way you will know how the war is going.

At this time, there are two places you can order The Walking Leader:
1. The Walking Leader website: http://www.walkingleader.com
(be sure to look for the DISCOUNT CODE)

and


2. Amazon.com


Tentatively after October 15, The Walking Leader will be available for sale at brick and mortar Bookstores, other Online Retailers, Libraries, and Academic Institutions.

Some basics of THE WALKING LEADER
Name: The Walking Leader: The 20 Rules You Can Follow Now to Guide You Down the Path of Leadership Greatness in Your Organization
Author: David G. Guerra
Page count: 106
Suggested retail price: $US 10.99
Year of first printing: 2013
ISBN: 978-1492120063


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to tell me what you are think of The Walking Leader.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra

Here are some Technorati Tags: • 100 Ways • • 20 Rules You Can Follow Now to Guide You Down the Path of Leadership Greatness in Your Organization • • Be A Great Leader • Author • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero